VisaScreen® renewal
Who is this service for?
VisaScreen® certificates are valid for five years from issue date. Unless you have obtained a permanent visa or have become a United States citizen, you must reapply to CGFNS/ICHP and obtain a new certificate prior to the expiration date of your current VisaScreen® certificate. It is recommended to begin the renewal process six months before the expiration of your current certificate.
Requirements
CGFNS/ICHP needs to receive:
- The completed and signed VisaScreen® Renewal Application form or a submitted online order.
- The U.S. dollar fee for renewal located at www.cgfns.org/sections/apply/fees.shtml#1
- The completed Request for Validation of License/Registration/Diploma form from each licensing authority where you have ever held a license/registration as a health care professional in your field; or, in cases where your diploma authorizes legal practice, this same form mailed to CGFNS/ICHP from the authority that issued your diploma. If you hold a lifetime license or certificate to practice, a validation must still be completed to document that there were no suspensions, revocations or restrictions on your practice since the initial validation was received by CGFNS/ICHP.
- If more three years has passed since your last validation, CGFNS/ICHP must have updated validations for every license/registration/diploma that have ever been issued to you.
- The English requirement can be waived if you can provide proof of U.S. employment in the health care profession listed on their VisaScreen® certificate for at least 27–36 months — including nine months of the year before the date the renewal application is submitted. Your employer will need to submit an employment summary on corporate letterhead with the appropriate signature for the English requirement to be waived.
- Proof of English language proficiency by examination (passing English scores are valid for two years).
- Certified English translation of all documents not in English.
Some licensing authorities may charge a fee for verifying your license/registration/diploma. You are responsible for these and any other additional fees associated with processing your VisaScreen® application.
CGFNS/ICHP is unable to accept any documents sent by email or fax. All official documents must be in paper format with the appropriate seals and signatures, directly sent to CGFNS/ICHP by mail or courier.
How to apply
To apply for the VisaScreen® renewal, apply online at https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/login.jsp or download the paper form at www.cgfns.org/files/pdf/apps/VSRenewal.pdf.
Payment methods
Payment must be in U.S. dollars. If you have applied online and are sending payment through postal mail, please print out the voucher and submit it with your payment. Pay using one of these methods:
- By Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card payment online
- By Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card through postal mail, download the Credit Card Payment form located at www.cgfns.org/files/pdf/forms/Credit_Card_Payment_form.pdf
- A bank check or international money order (drawn on a U.S. bank) made payable to CGFNS/ICHP
Please DO NOT SEND CASH through the mail.
